Calculation of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) for traditional crops in Castilla y León, Spain

Abstract

Agriculture is one of the most important economic activities in the Castilla y León region (Spain), approximately one-third of the land area is destined for this use. The role of agriculture in rural areas is essential from a territorial perspective, where rural depopulation is originating a crisis in the countryside. Moreover, climate change is having a major impact on agricultural productivity as a consequence, among others, of the increase in the frequency and the severity of extreme events, especially in Mediterranean regions. For these reasons, it is essential to highlight the vision of agriculture as a multifunctional activity. Besides good management, productivity depends on many other factors, such as soil properties or climatic factors. A decisive climatic variable, which is often not considered in the planning and management of the crops, is the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), specifically, the Intercepted Photosynthetically Active Radiation (IPAR).